Saint Arnold exemplifies national craft-beer growth

On the heels of this week’s Brewers Association report showing continued strong growth for craft brewers nationwide, Houston’s Saint Arnold is reporting production was up 37 percent over the first half of 2012.

The growth numbers released this morning have become almost routine as the craft-beer boom shows no sign up letting up:

Saint Arnold saw growth across all brands. Santo, a unique ‘black Kölsch’ that was introduced in October 2011, has been a star performer. The brewery’s seasonal offerings have also seen significant growth.

The first half of 2012 was also notable for the introduction of Saint Arnold Endeavour, the brewery’s first Double IPA. Saint Arnold also participated in Hops for Heroes during the first half of 2012, releasing Saint Arnold Homefront IPA to raise more than $130,000 for Operation Homefront Texas.

The Brewers Association reported Monday that U.S. craft brewers enjoyed a 14 percent dollar growth during the first half of 2012.

The trade group also reported that the number of U.S. breweries had hit a 125-year high.